Tanning beds are definitely not low-maintenance. Frequent use of tanning beds means running out of restockable items quickly - things like tanning light bulbs and tanning lotion. You have to keep tabs on the amount of these materials that you still have at hand, in order to keep from missing a tanning session. As we all know, it is important to stick to a tanning schedule, in order to get a more even, longer-lasting tan. It is also important to get the best tanning lotion for tanning beds that are at hand.

If you're out to find the best tanning lotion for tanning beds, there are three primary factors you have to consider:

1. Cost. Tanning lotions come at a wide range of prices, starting from $15 a bottle and up. Normally, fancier lotions are the ones that cost more - so if you are out to save, be prepared to stay away from the fancier brands and stick with the regular lotions.

You should also look into which size bottle would be the most practical to stock. Smaller bottles are cheaper, but if you have to buy a lot of small bottles, compared to just one larger bottle of the same solution, you may end up saving more if you buy the larger bottle. This way, instead of using up smaller bottles frequently, you can take your time using up a large bottle and not spending on new solutions or refills as soon as if you would be using up smaller bottles.

If you are a very casual user and you would like to try out different tanning lotions before settling on just one, consider buying single-use sachets before settling on a bottle. Sachets or packets could cost anything from $2 up (yes, even $5 packets could be put on sale), but if the full bottle costs something like $80, trying a small amount before buying the whole deal is only the smart option.

2. SPF or sun protection factor. Some tanning beds are labeled "high pressure," which means they were designed primarily to house bulbs that emit more UVA than UVB light. This means they were made to create a darker tan in less time than regular tanning beds could produce. They also require the use of stronger protective lotions, in order not to damage one's skin or contract skin diseases from prolonged exposure to the stronger UVA lights.

Consider the strength of the tanning bulbs when shopping for the best lotions. Lotions with lower SPF may indeed be cost-efficient, but they will not give your body adequate protection.

3. Special additions. Tanning lotions are definitely not created equal. Some promise a darker tan in less time, others promise bronze colorations, healthier skin, better UVA protection, et cetera. Naturally, lotions that offer one or more special additions would cost more than standard tanning lotions.

Note that some tanning lotions emit an unpleasant odor, especially after the tanning process itself. This may make for quite an uncomfortable and unpleasant tanning experience. If so, make sure to get a tanning lotion that eliminates after-tan odors. Exotic scents are great if you are game to experiment with different perfumes, or are a connoiseur of scents. Bear in mind however that the rarer the scent, the more expensive a certain lotion would tend to be. When looking for the best tanning lotions for tanning beds, you should keep all these in mind.